What is testoviron-depot and what is it used for?
Testoviron-Depot contains a derivative of testosterone, the male sexual hormone (androgen) that occurs naturally in the human organism. The active substance is Testosterone enanthate. 1 ampoule for ready-to-use syringe, each for 1ml, contains 250mg of testosterone enanthate in oily solution. The excipients are benzyl benzoate and virgin castor oil.
Testoviron-Depot is administered as a testosterone substitution treatment in the presence of male hypogonadism (diminished testicular function). Testoviron-Depot may only be administered in cases where the testosterone deficiency has been confirmed in clinical and medical laboratory tests and where other possible causes of the symptoms and signs have been excluded.
What do you need to be aware of before the administration of Testoviron depot?
Testoviron-Depot may not be administered:
- if you are oversensitive (allergic) to testosterone enanthate or one of the excipients of Testoviron-Depot,
- in cases of tumours of the prostate or of the male mammary gland if their growth would be stimulated by male sexual hormones (androgens),
- in cases of previous or existing liver tumours,
- in cases of nephrotic syndrome,
- to new-borns and small children,
- to women.
Special caution required with the administration of Testoviron-Depot
Testoviron-Depot should only be administered with caution to cancer patients who are at risk for elevated calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcinaemia) because of bone metastases and for whom, as a result of this, more calcium is excreted with the urine (hypercalciuria).
In such cases, it is recommended that the calcium level be monitored at regular intervals. The emergence of benign and malignant liver tumours among patients who receive testosterone substitution treatment has been observed in rare cases.
Patients who suffer from a severe cardiac, liver or renal function disorder or from heart disease caused by reduced perfusion (ischemic heart disease) may experience serious complications resulting from the treatment with testosterone caused by the development of oedemas (water retention in tissue) which may be accompanied by backflow of the blood (congestive cardiac insufficiency), with or without cardiac insufficiency. Immediate termination of the treatment is required in such cases. No investigations have been carried out to date regarding the efficacy and harmlessness of Testoviron-Depot for patients with limited kidney or liver function.
Testosterone substitution treatment for these patients should therefore only be performed with great caution. The restrictions governing the use of intramuscular injections for patients with acquired or congenital coagulation disorders must be observed at all times. Testoviron-Depot should be administered only with great caution to patients with epilepsy or migraine because these illnesses could worsen as a result. Patients who achieve normal testosterone levels in the blood after the testosterone substitution treatment may experience an improved sensitivity to insulin. Certain signs may indicate an overly strong effect of Testoviron-Depot, including irritability, nervousness, weight gain, excessively long-lasting or frequent erections. Consult your physician if this is the case. Testoviron-Depot should be discontinued if the complaints persist as a result of an overly strong drug action or reappear during treatment with the recommended dosage. Pre-existing sleep apnoea (occurrence of brief respiratory arrest during sleep) could become more severe. Testoviron-Depot is not suitable for treating male sterility.
How should Testoviron-depot be administered?
Testoviron-Depot is generally administered by a physician. Please consult your physician if you are not entirely sure of the correct administration procedure. This drug should be administered in accordance with the following dosage recommendations:
Adult: 1 ampoule or 1 ready-to-use syringe is administered by intramuscular injection at intervals of 2-3 weeks for initial treatment of deficits with respect to male hypogonadism.
The interval between injections should remain within the recommended range of 2-3 weeks in order to maintain a sufficient androgen effect in adult men. Shorter injection intervals may be necessary, depending on individual hormone requirements.
Boys: In order to induce puberty among boys with delayed adolescence, a dosage of 50mg to a maximum of 100mg of testosterone enanthate is administered every 4 weeks for 4-6 months, followed by a treatment intermission of 3 months. The course of treatment is repeated if necessary. (Note: If a monthly dosage of 100mg is to be administered, then it is preferable to administer 50mg every two weeks.)
Testoviron-Depot must be administered exclusively by intramuscular injection. The injection solution is to be injected very slowly deep into the muscle of the buttock while observing at the same time the usual precautionary measures for intramuscular injections. Special care must be taken to ensure that the injection is not made into a blood vessel (intravascular injection).
Experience has shown that the temporary reactions (urge to cough, fits of coughing, difficult breathing) that occur in rare cases either during or immediately after injections of oily solutions can be avoided by very slow injection. Please consult your physician or pharmacist if you have the impression that the effect of Testoviron Depot is either too strong or too weak. If you are administered more than the recommended dose of Testoviron-Depot, then no special therapeutic measures are required other than the discontinuation of the drug. If you have any further questions regarding the use of this drug, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
What are the side effects of Testoviron Depot?
People may experience some mild side effects from Testoviron Depot, such as:
- breast enlargement or pain
- acne
- a deeper voice
- tiredness
- hoarseness
- back pain
- redness, bruising, pain, bleeding, or hardness at the injection site
- trouble sleeping or staying awake
- weight gain
- joint pain
- mood swings
- headaches
A person should speak to their doctor if they experience more serious side effects, such as:
- nausea or vomiting
- lower leg pain, redness, or warmth
- swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs
- trouble breathing
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
- excessively long-lasting erections
- changes in urination, such as difficulty urinating, increased frequency, weak flow, urinary urgency, or blood in the urine
- severe pain in the upper right part of the abdomen
- mood changes, including depression, anxiety, or feeling suicidal
How should Testoviron-depot be stored?
Keep drugs out of the reach of children. Do not use the drug after the expiration date stated on the ready-to-use syringe or the ampoule label and on the collapsible cardboard box. The expiration date refers to the last day of the respective month.
Storage conditions: Store below 30°C. Store the ready-to-use syringes and the ampoules in the outer packaging in order to shield the contents against the light.
Price
The price of Testoviron Depot injection ranges from $5 to $25 depending on the location, insurance and taxes.
